Patricia Clarkson’s ‘Lilly’ will open a London film festival focused on women’s stories
Rachel Feldman’s film leads the Women and the World International Film Festival, scheduled for November 5–12 in London, alongside a program of premieres.
Rachel Feldman’s ‘Lilly,’ starring Patricia Clarkson, is set to open the third Women and the World International Film Festival in London, Variety reported on October 20. The festival is scheduled for November 5–12, putting the film at the start of an event devoted to work by women filmmakers.
The opening film is part of a program that includes the world premiere of Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s ‘Laya,’ according to Variety. The outlet also named premieres of Marina Kunarova’s ‘The Nomad’s Legacy’ and Flaminia Graziadei’s ‘A Year in London.’
Why ‘Lilly’ is opening the festival
Variety identified ‘Lilly’ as the opening selection for an edition centered on women’s authorship. Festival director Ksenia Bugrimova said in a statement reported by Variety: ‘We believe there should simply be more films by women in the world – and more opportunities for those films to reach audiences.’ She said the festival wants to support filmmakers and connect their work with audiences and the international film industry.
The festival’s 2026 regulations describe a focus on films exploring women’s roles in conflict, including as defenders, leaders and peacemakers. They say the event aims to encourage discussion through film. The regulations establish the festival’s London dates; Variety reported the separate announcement that ‘Lilly’ will open it.
What else is planned for November
Alongside the screenings, the festival is expanding collaborations with University College London, LAMDA, Film London and BFI Network, Variety reported. The festival says those partnerships are intended to give emerging filmmakers and other creative talent a platform. Its jury includes actors David Gyasi, Olwen Fouéré and MyAnna Buring, as well as filmmakers and film-industry professionals.
The previous edition drew 2,450 attendees and closed with the UK premiere of ‘Eleanor the Great,’ Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, according to Variety. That gives a measure of the event ‘Lilly’ has been chosen to open this year; the newly announced screenings remain scheduled for November.
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Sources and context
- ‘Lilly,’ Starring Patricia Clarkson, to Open London’s Women and the World Intl. Film FestivalVariety
- Festival Regulations 2026Women and the World International Film Festival
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.